Shopping will make a world of difference for Haiti

With more than 100,000 Haitians feared dead due to the devastating effects of its most severe earthquake in 200 years, government, non-profit and private volunteers are scrambling to offer relief to citizens of this poor island nation.

Some of the more creative efforts offer the convenience of a simple text or “tweet” to make a big impact.

Another option is online shopping.

Fashion Philanthropy, an online boutique that offers eco-friendly designs, accessories and some limited plus-size fashions, designates 10 percent of its profits to a charity of the shopper’s choice during checkout.

Today through Friday, the company's owner and operator, said she will donate 100 percent of profits toward Hope for Haiti, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Haitian people. Atlanta shoppers and fashion-conscious people nation-wide can participate in this simple act of kindness by purchasing something they love, she said.

“I’ve blasted it all over Facebook", said the company's owner and operator Pamela Domzalski. "I want everyone to think about it. Everybody needs to do something to get involved,” she said of the disaster that has crippled Haiti's infrastructure.

Domzalski, 34, founded Fashion Philanthropy one year ago because she, “wanted to do something that I enjoy and give to different charities while doing it.” When she learned of the disaster, Domzalski said she was moved to take action.

Yesterday, Haiti was hit with a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. The epicenter of the quake was approximately 10 miles south of the capital, home to almost 2 million people.

Before the earthquake, Haiti was rife with infrastructural weaknesses attributed to decades of economic, political and environmental struggles. Yesterday's crisis left the Haitian people without basic necessities, including clean water, food, medicine and clothing.

Stephanie Arnold has a passion for outfitting women. She's worked simultaneously as a newspaper reporter and an associate at plus-sized clothing retailers. She'll regularly advise on what's in and what's sin for voluptuous fashionistas. Contact her at stephanielouisearnold@gmail.com.